Tuesday, March 3, 2015

There is growing concern over the duration and scope of the military offensive against Moro rebels, a report by the UN refugees body says

DISPLACED. People displaced by fighting sleep at an evacuation center. File photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera

At least 75,000 residents in Maguindanao and North Cotabato were forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing firefight between rival Moro rebel groups and army offensive in the area, a report said.

Military operations against rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) displaced at least 8,149 families or 40,745 individuals in Maguindanao as of Tuesday night, March 3. This is according to a report from the Protection Cluster prepared by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Philippines. (READ: Maguindanao in state of calamity; 41,000 evacuees)

Meanwhile,at least 6,383 familes or 34,925 individuals were forced to evacuate as the dispute between members of the BIFF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) continued.It has been weeks since a firefight erupted between the two groups in Barangay Kalbugan in Pagalungan town, North Cotabato, reportedly due to "contending controls over the areas." (WATCH: Pagalungan)

Established by the National Disaster Coordinating Council in 2007, the Protection Cluster is composed of over 100 members, including national and international NGOs, as well as government and United Nations agencies.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines launched an "all-out offensive" against the BIFF two weeks after the MILF-BIFF clash in Pagalungan, which came in the aftermath of the Mamasapano clash.

Close to 400 members of the police Special Action Force entered Mamasapano town, Maguindanao, a known bailwick of the MILF, on January 25 to arrest wanted terrorists Zulkifli bin hir, better known as Marwan, and Abdulbasit Usman. However, MILF and BIFF combatants in the area surrounded SAF members on their way out, triggering a firefight that killed 44 elite cops, 18 MILF rebels, and at least 3 civilians. Marwan was killed in the operation but Usman was able to get away.

Due to the ongoing military operations, BIFF fighters were believed to have fled to the towns of Sultan sa Barongis, Rajah Buayan, and Mamasapano in Maguindanao.

But evacuees, especially those in Pagalungan, have not been able to return to their communities due to fears that the BIFF planted landmines in the area. The military is presently conducting clearing operations.

The BIFF reportedly burned down 8 houses in Pagalungan and 28 houses in Pikit town, North Cotabato.

Off subject but of general intelligence interest from Rappler (Mar 4): China says 2015 defense budget to rise about 10%

The defense budget outpaces the slowing Chinese economy as the country ramps up investment in high-tech equipmentChina's defense budget this year will rise about 10% compared with 2014, the spokeswoman for the country's parliament said on Wednesday, March 4, outpacing the slowing Chinese economy as the country ramps up investment in high-tech equipment.

National People's Congress spokeswoman Fu Ying told a news conference that the actual figure would be released on Thursday, when the annual session of China's largely rubber-stamp parliament opens. Last year, defense spending rose 12.2% to $130 billion, second only to the United States.

"I can reveal the rough situation. Among the recommendations for 2015 ... defense budget and the increase in defense spending, the magnitude is probably about 10%," Fu said.

China has logged a nearly unbroken two-decade run of double-digit budget increases, though many experts think China's real defense outlays are much larger.

"Compared with great powers, the road of China's defense modernization is more difficult. We have to rely on ourselves for most of our military equipment and research and development," Fu added.

"In addition, we must strengthen the protection of our officers and soldiers. But fundamentally speaking, China's defense policy is defensive in nature. This is clearly defined in the constitution. We will not easily change this direction and principle."

While Beijing keeps the details of its military spending secret, experts have said additional funding would likely go towards beefing up the navy with anti-submarine ships and developing more aircraft carriers beyond the sole vessel in operation.

China's leaders have routinely sought to justify the country's military modernization by linking defense spending to rapid GDP growth. But growth of 7.4% last year was the slowest in 24 years, and a further slowdown to around 7% is expected in 2015.

Other factors would now keep defense spending high, from the U.S. military and diplomatic "rebalancing" to Asia to President Xi Jinping's crackdown on corruption in the People's Liberation Army, which has caused some disquiet in the ranks, military experts have said.

From InterAksyon (Mar 4): AFP civil relations chief also named military spokesman

Brig Gen Joselito KakilalaNewly-appointed Civil Relations Service chief Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala has been given a second role as Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman by chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.

Kakilala, a member of Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class 1984, will relinquish his former post as head of the Office of Special Studies and Strategic Management to his “mistah,” Colonel Paterno Morales, on Thursday.

On the same day, Kakilala will replace Colonel Restituto Padilla as AFP spokesman.

Kakilala has extensive combat experience as a battalion and brigade commander in the Bicol region.

As head of the OSSSM, Kakilala led in the development of strategic concepts and paradigms for the smooth implementation of the AFP Transformation Roadmap.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office, said one of the challenges in the all-out offensive against the BIFF was the possibility both rebel groups might reunite. The BIFF is a breakaway group of the MILF which is nearing a peace agreement with the government.

“That is one of the challenges, but we are closely working with local government officials, down to barangay officials and with the MILF. They committed to help us in this undertaking,” Cabunoc said.

He added the AFP was coordinating with local governments and the MILF to determine who’s who.

He said that aside from a few well-known BIFF personalities, the military had no list of its members.

Military reports have raised the possibility some BIFF guerrillas were still operating with the MILF in which they have relatives.

Meanwhile, Cabunoc said the military continued to pursue Filipino bomb expert Basit Usman at Liguasan March where he is believed to be protected by BIFF leaders Mohammad Tambako, Nur Utoh and Kagi Karialan. The group had an encounter with the MILF in the Kabasalan complex two weeks ago.

Two soldiers on Monday evening were killed with shots to the head at the public market of Buldon town in Maguindanao, police said.

Buldon police chief Senior Inspector Acmad Sarico said Corporal Nerger Pinero of Libungan, North Cotabato, and Private First Class Jamaneel Bulaybolay of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, were at the market when two young men, described by some witnesses as around 18-years-old, walked up and killed them with single shots from .45 caliber pistols around 6 p.m.

Both the soldiers were from Charlie Company of the Army's 37th Infantry Battalion.

The killers made off with Pinero's M16 rifle.

Sarico said they have identified the suspects and have launched a manhunt.

Maguindanao has been placed under a state of calamity after the number of civilians displaced by the continuing "all-out" military offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters soared to 41,000 from 11 of the province’s 36 municipalities.

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Government forces on Tuesday captured another camp belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town as the military continued its operation.

It was the second encampment recovered in a span of three days by joint Army, Marines and police forces, according to Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, the spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division based here.

Petinglay said the camp, located in Sitio Tatapan in Barangay Kitango fell into the government’s control following Monday’s clash with BIFF forces.

There had been no reported casualty during the clash but government forces recovered firearm parts such as tripods for .50 caliber machineguns, antennas for two-way radios, ammunition for assorted firearms, and documents showing the BIFF’s plan to carry out bombing in public places, passenger buses and populated areas in Central Mindanao.

Petinglay said the camp seized on Monday was about eight kilometers from Barangay Dasikil in Mamasapano town, which government forces had occupied on Sunday.

As this developed, Petinglay said BIFF members have sought refuge with their relatives who belong to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), particularly under the 105th Base Command.

“Majority of them have close relatives there,” Petinglay said, without specifying how the report reached the military.

She said the military was now asking the MILF to isolate its members.

But MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said they had made their own validation and it turned out that there was no truth to the report that BIFF gunmen have sought refuge inside MILF areas.

“We have checked it and it’s not true. It cannot happen because we have repositioned our troops in Maguindanao to give way to the military operation,” he added.

Joint Task Force Central composed of Philippine Army, Marines and Philippine National Police forces capture second Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters camp at Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The said encampment was abandoned by the Moro rebels after a brief clash Monday night, fifth day after AFP Chief-of-Staff General Catapang declared an all-out offensive.

“We will intensify and press our law enforcement operation against this group, there’s no let up,” 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Joann Petinglay said. “Our local government executives are helping the military locate the BIFF areas after Maj. Gen. Pangilinan (6th ID commander) sought their help in neutralizing the BIFF.”

Recovered items from the camp include firearm parts, tripods for .50 caliber machineguns, antennas for two-way radios, ammunition for assorted firearms, and shabu paraphernalia. The government forces also recovered documents showing that the rebel group is planning to divert military focus by spreading terror outside Maguindanao.

On Sunday, government forces captured BIFF stronghold in Bgy Dasikil, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The rebel camp has a factory of improvised bombs.

From the Free Malaysia Today (Mar 4): Infantry battalion to be set up in Labuan’s RMAF base

Relocation reflects the government's high commitment on the importance of strengthening national defence, especially in Sabah and its surrounding, owing to threats within the Sulu Sea and South China Sea.
LABUAN: An infantry battalion will be established to support and further strengthen the role of Labuan’s Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base.

Defence Deputy Minister Datuk Rahim Bakri said the air force base currently plays a vital role in national security, with the relocation of the hawk squadron and other aircraft.

“The Labuan air force base is now important, spearheading the role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, not only for Labuan but also in the East Malaysia region,” he told reporters after visiting the RMAF base here Tuesday.

He said development project plans were being drawn up to fully equip the base with the relevant infrastructure, facilities and army personnel.

“The relocation of the squadron hawk in Labuan reflects the government’s high commitment on the importance of strengthening national defence, especially in Sabah and its surrounding, owing to threats within the Sulu Sea and South China Sea, but the base is now only strengthened with a detachment,” noted Rahim.

The shift from Butterworth base to Labuan was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the tabling of the 2015 Budget in October last year to strengthen security in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone).

Rahim said some 300 RMAF personnel were deployed at the base since the relocation of jet fighters at the end of last year. Four hawk squadrons have been relocated from Butterworth at the base.

“We have studied several issues pertaining to the deployment of army personnel here and among them are the need for housing facilities.

“We have requested an allocation and we hope we will get approval soon for the full deployment of army personnel in the base,” he said, adding that RM41 million was required for the construction of housing facilities and basic infrastructure development projects at the RMAF base.

“Alternatively, to speed up the process in providing the housing facilities, we are looking at refurbishment of abandoned buildings and there are buildings owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy which be re-constructed into staff quarters,” said Rahim.

KUALA LUMPUR:The next batch of Malaysian members of the International Monitoring Team will soon take up residence in Mindanao, but have been warned they may face the toughest test yet of any peacekeeping force in the southern Philippines.

The Malaysian contingent takes over from the previous batch beginning March 14, following a one-year extension to the Malaysian-led IMT team’s mandate in monitoring the peace process, the final details of which are being worked out between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

But Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, speaking at the sending-off ceremony for the members of the IMT-Mindanao 10 (IMT-M10) team today, said the small force may just face a tough time, due to the risks posed by detractors who seek the peace deal’s collapse.

“This is a critical time, as the peace process is nearing its conclusion, there are many detractors who may try to derail and sabotage the peace process.

“Members of this mission, you must be careful for your own safety and security. Remember that there are two circumstances where the IMT can be withdrawn — first, when either the Philippines government or MILF stops heeding IMT's advice, or when the safety and security situation of IMT members is jeopardised.

“My concern is that, in order to derail this mission, the detractors may try to make the situation unsafe for IMT's mission, especially in areas like Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, among others,” he said at Wisma Transit in Jalan Padang Tembak.

Speaking to reporters later, Zulkifeli said there was the possibility that saboteurs may strike.

“However, it all depends on the resolve of the (Philippine) government and MILF to ensure that these detractors are dealt with effectively.”

Zulkifeli said the IMT-M10 comprised 16 officers and personnel from the armed forces, police, Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry. It will be led by Major-General Datuk Sheikh Mokhsin Sheikh Hassan.

The team will be conducting their duties together with 20 other observers from Brunei, Indonesia, Japan and Norway.

Zulkifeli said the mission, which was initially scheduled to end by this year, was continued after both the Philippine government and MILF agreed for its mandate’s extension.

He said members of IMT-M10 had been reminded to execute their duties professionally and in a neutral manner.

On another matter, Zulkifeli said the armed forces believed that the Islamic State terror group was an emerging threat which should be dealt with immediately.

Commending the government's move to enact the Prevention of Terrorism Act, he said the upcoming law was a smart move that will enable the authorities to curtail terrorism activities effectively.

Joint Task Group Commander Col. Alan Arrojado briefs AFP Chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. about the current situation in Sulu on his visit on Wednesday, March 4. AFP Public Affairs Office PHOTOArmed Forces chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. visited Sulu on Wednesday amid stepped up offensives against the bandit group Abu Sayyaf.

A photo release by the AFP Public Affairs Office showed Colonel Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, giving Catapang and other top officials a briefing about the current situation there.

Last week, elite Army units engaged the bandits in a firefight in Patikul town. Two soldiers were killed and dozens of soldiers and bandits were wounded. At least 25 Abu Sayyaf members were reported killed.

The Abu Sayyaf is currently holding several foreign and local hostages including European birdwatcher Ewold Horn.

Catapang has ordered an all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday seized various drug paraphernalia left behind by four Abu Sayyaf Group gunmen who were fleeing a law enforcement operation in Basilan.According to Joint Task Group Basilan commander Col. Rolando Bautista, his unit clashed with the ASG gunmen in Sitio Lagasan, Barangay Kulaybato, Lamitan City.

One gunman was identified as Edris Sampang.

“The armed confrontation lasted for five minutes with no reported casualties on the government side,” Bautista said.

It was unclear whether the ASG suffered casualties.

The other objects recovered from the encounter site included a grenade, tools and clothes.

From GMA News (Mar 3): MILF adamant: Surrender of fighters in Mamasapano has no basis

The surrender of Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters who figured in the Mamasapano incident has no basis under its existing agreements with the government, the chair of the MILF negotiating panel said on Tuesday.

He explained that it was the government that first broke the coordination protocol by not informing the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group about the Philippine National Police's Oplan Exodus that was meant to capture high-value targets in what is believed to be MILF territory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Iqbal said that the results of the separate investigations conducted by different bodies might not be fair and favorable to the MILF. He suggested that there should have been at least one neutral, international group that monitored the inquiries.

However, Iqbal's counterpart on the government side, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that there were international monitoring groups that conducting their own probe on the incident.

From GMA News (Mar 3): Army clears alleged BIFF training camp in MaguindanaoA suspected training camp of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao was reported cleared on the fifth day of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' all-out offensive against the outlawed armed group, GMA News' 24 Oras program reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, the AFP's infantry and mechanized brigade did not encounter any members of the BIFF in the Madrasa Arabic school in Brgy. Kitango in Datu Saudi.

But traces of the armed group's presence were recovered. These include including communication devices, machine gun tripods and empty IV fluid containers indicating that the group could have some wounded members.

One of the residents near the school confirmed that a BIFF commander who was the target of the clearing operations lives in a house on the school grounds.

“Paminsan-minsan lang. Matagal na,” the resident said.

Other residents expressed their fear of both the AFP and the armed groups imposing their presence in the area.

Cayetano added that he was still in the process of gathering the evidence to prove his conclusions. “At a proper time, in a few days, we will conclude our research but as early as now I can tell you we have evidence that government knew and knows that the MILF protected and coddled Marwan,” he said.

Cayetano did not reveal the nature of the evidence he was gathering.

The senator was also disappointed over the reported agreement between the leadership of the Senate and House of Representative to pass the BBL by June this year. “[B]ecause as we get to know more, more and more people say can we trust the MILF? Sa akin every relationship has to start with the truth and not with a lie.

Cayetano pointed out that Congress had earlier declared that the BBL would not be passed until the investigation into the Mamasapano clash was ended.

Some 44 Special Action Force commandos were killed in a January 25 firefight with the MILF as the police commandos attempted to serve a warrant of arrest against Marwan and Filipino bomb-maker Basit Usman.

From the Manila Standard Today (Mar 4): Military on alert for BIFF bombings

THE military has
raised a bomb alert after it foiled two attempts by suspected terrorists to
blow up targets in Mindanao, barely three days after an explosion narrowly
missed a Catholic Church and an elementary school in LamitanCity.

The spate of bomb
attacks comes amid a military offensive against terrorists in Maguindanao, Sulu
and Basilan.

From InterAksyon (Mar 3): Manhunt goes on till 'the last BIFF' member is neutralized, says AFP

TV5 screenshot of the foreign bomb-making expert said to be working with the BIFF. The military says there will be no let-up in the manhunt for BIFF members.

The manhunt for outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) will continue until the last BIFF is neutralized, the military here said Tuesday.

However, Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the operation has shifted from "all out offensive," which the Army at first launched in Maguindanao, to "all-sectors offensive," with all sectors participating in the efforts to rid the province of lawless and extremist elements.

"We have no time table for when to terminate the operation but our directive is to continue hunting down the BIFF and other terrorists relentlessly," Petinglay said.

According to Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the government's law enforcement operation against the BIFF in Maguindanao could drag until June this year.

But Petinglay said no military timetable has been set.

She said the campaign against the BIFF and the international terrorists they provided haven for has shifted from "military-alone action" to a "community action," where government forces and local leaders and civilians join hands in neutralizing the terrorists.

Hataman led the distribution of Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART) of more than 10 tons of food rations to displaced families in Mamasapano, Salibo, Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns.

"Our relief team will continue helping the displaced families," he said, adding that DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman has committed to send more aid for the IDPs.

Areas in Mamasapano that have never been occupied by the military because of the presence of lawless elements are now secured by members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-6).

Marines established checkpoints along the road leading to Mamasapano's outlying villages to prevent the return of BIFF who were flushed out by an Army offensive last Saturday.

Army and police forces backed by Marines are now in control of a large portion of Mamasapano, where Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias "Marwan" was killed in a police commando operation last Jan. 25. His cohort, Filipino bomb maker Abdul Basit Usman, escaped however, and is believed to have been given BIFF sanctuary.

Three Marine troopers were wounded when government forces clashed with BIFF in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao. About six BIFF members were reported killed in that incident.

Hataman said he feared for difficult days ahead for the IDPs who are now housed in various schools and village halls in Maguindanao’s 11 towns.

At least 16 schools in the province have also been shut down temporarily for security reasons, displacing more than 15,000 elementary and high school students, according to Hataman.

To the BIFF, Hataman made this appeal. "Support peace process and cooperate with the people of Mindanao who are helping each to build lasting peace and development in our area."

Hataman also said he has already briefed President Aquino on the extent of the evacuations in the province and has sought help for the evacuees. The President vowed to direct agencies to extend help so that no one dies in evacuation centers.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division commander, also alerted all Army units to thwart diversionary tactics by the BIFF which normally conduct bombings in civilian communities to divert military action against them.

At noon Tuesday, the Army foiled bombing attempt by BIFF in Kabacan, North Cotabato after a civilian alerted authorities of his discovery - a deadly improvised bomb.

The IED was left near Simuay Hardware along Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, North Cotabato.

It was the second bombing attempt by the BIFF that the government forces foiled in two days.

On Sunday night, Army bomb disposal team defused a powerful IED at a roadside in Barangay Kabingi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao after a civilian alerted authorities of a suspicious bag nearby.

"Peoples participation about security matters is important to prevent terrorism," Pangilinan said even as he lauded the civilians for reporting quickly and accurately.

Abu Sayyaf unit in the hinterlands. Reuters file photoReports reaching Manila on Tuesday indicated that an intelligence operation promptly carried out by elements of the elite Philippine Army Special Forces foiled a bombing mission attributed to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) earlier, before dawn, in Barangay Kulay Bato, Lamitan City, Basilan.

A report reaching Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City said elements of the 19th Special Force Company pounced on at least five suspected ASG members at their hideout at around 3 a.m.

A five-minute firefight ensued, after which the bandits withdrew toward the direction of Barangay Bulanting, leaving behind their improvised explosive devices (IEDs), according to the initial report by Captain Geralfredo Andal.

Andal said that the outlaws were believed led by Edris Sampang, head of the ASG's urban terrorism arm operating in the area of Tuburan, Akbar and Lamitan.

Intelligence information regarding the presence of four bandits in the area were received as early as 6 p.m. Monday, and the military promptly sent out teams to locate them.

"The intelligence report indicated that they are planning to plant an improvised explosive device somewhere in the city. So we conducted security patrols to find them," he said.

The troops were able to ascertain the location of the hideout, and the operation was launched, triggering the firefight.

Among the recovered items were an M61 hand grenade, a soldering iron, a pair of long-nose pliers, two toggle switches, soldering lead, pieces of diodes, wires, as well as drugs paraphernalia.

Just a week ago, the ASG detonated a bomb in front of the local Catholic Church but no one was hurt in the incident.

The bombings were believed being undertaken by the outlaws to divert attention of the ongoing focused military offensives against ASG elements in the hinterlands.

In a related development elsewhere, in Kabacan, Cotabato, alert residents spotted an IED planted at the edge of the highway in Barangay Kayaga at around 11:40 a.m. Tuesday.

An explosive and ordnance disposal team was dispatched by law enforcers, which managed to defuse the bomb at around 1:00 p.m.

While the IED was described as not a very strong one, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Joanne Petinglay said that it could still possessed the potential to cause extensive damage and loss of lives or injury because it was packed with nails and sharp objects, such as shards from broken bottles and hooked up to a cell phone trigger.

Provincial Governor Emmylou Lala Mendoza praised the vigilance of the local residents in helping to thwart yet another potentially serious blast in her province, even as she encouraged tighter cooperation between the civilian populace and security authorities.

The Philippine government has suspended all exploration work at the Reed Bank in the South China Sea "until further notice", a unit of Philex Petroleum Corp said, as the country pursues international arbitration over territorial disputes.

London-listed Forum Energy Plc, which is 60.49 percent owned by Manila-listed Philex Petroleum, said in a statement the Department of Energy had declared force majeure on its Service Contract 72 (SC72), the exploration permit covering the Reed Bank.

"Under the terms of the force majeure, all exploration work at SC72 is immediately suspended until the DOE notifies the company that it may commence drilling," Forum said.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, while the Philippines and Vietnam, along with Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, claim parts of it.

Manila has said arbitration is the only route to achieving a just and durable solution to disputes over the South China Sea. It opposes China's contention that a United Nations court has no jurisdiction to hear a complaint.

Last year Forum obtained approval from the DOE to extend its drilling plan at the Reed Bank by one year until Aug. 15, 2016.

Forum has a 70 percent interest in SC72, an oil and gas exploration permit covering the Sampaguita natural gas prospect in the Reed Bank, which Manila calls Recto Bank, located near the western Philippine island of Palawan.

A U.N. tribunal may rule on the arbitration case early next year, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Territorial disputes between the Philippines and China have hampered Forum's plan to drill two appraisal wells at the Reed Bank. Appraisal wells are drilled to assess the size of gas or oil discoveries.

In 2011, Chinese patrol vessels almost rammed a Forum-contracted survey ship in the disputed waters.

The Sampaguita gas prospect is believed to have reserves of as much as 20 trillion cubic feet, based on initial estimates.

Maguindanao board member Bobby Katambak said the Sangguniang
Panglalawigan will hold an emergency session Tuesday to pass a resolution
declaring the entire province
of Maguindanao under a
state of calamity. Maguindanao has 36 towns.

“This will give the provincial government an authority to
use its calamity fund to provide relief assistance to internally displaced
persons,” Katambak, a lawyer, told reporters.

“We call on the attention of (Maguindanao Vice Governor and
SP presiding officer) Datu Lester Sinsuat for the conduct of emergency session
to act on the resolution because the affected towns swelled to 11,” Katambak
said.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Humanitarian
Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART) in its Situation 03-2A report
released Monday night said a total of 41,720 residents were displaced in five
towns with two towns serving as “host towns.”

No need for declaration

Under RA 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Act of 2010, a declaration of a state of calamity is no longer necessary to
access and utilize the DRRM Fund or what used to be referred to as “calamity
fund.”

Under the law, the local DRRM Fund “shall be sourced from
not less than 5% of the estimated revenue from regular sources.”

Thirty per cent of the DRRM fund shall be set aside as a
“quick response fund” for relief and recovery programs.

On Monday, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman met with all relief
agencies of the region, including security officials, local government
executives and representatives from international non-government organizations.

The meeting aimed to centralize all relief operations and
avoid duplication of relief distribution and missing other beneficiaries.

Hataman is concerned over health and sanitation issues in
evacuation sites.

Hataman will lead Tuesday the ARMM relief and medical
missions to various towns in Maguindanao.

The Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART),
the region’s relief arm, reported that as of evening of March 2, 8,139 families
or 41,720 individuals had been displaced by the “all-out offensive” against the
BIFF.

The evacuees of Pagalungan (1,900 families) and Datu
Montawal towns (400) – or about 12,650 persons who fled their homes during the
skirmishes between the BIFF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were
supposed to return home but opted to stay on following Catapang’s “all-out
offensive.”

An improvised explosive device planted near a national road
in North Cotabato was successfully defused
Tuesday afternoon by Army bomb experts.

In a statement, Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the
6th Infantry Division said that at 11:40 a.m. a civilian reported
having found a suspected IED in Sitio Lotte, Brgy Kayaga, Kabacan town, beside
Simuay Hardware.

Petinglay said Kabacan police and troops of the 7th
Infantry Battalion immediately cordoned the area and called for the explosive
ordnance team to check on the package which yielded a bomb.

At about 1:45 p.m. the EOD team successfully defused the IED
composed of nails, glass shards, wires and a detonating cord.

Col. Noel Clement, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said
the discovery of the bomb caused the closure of the Cotabato-Davao highway for
almost an hour.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6ID commander attributed the
discovery of the IED to “growing awareness and concern” that the community had
shown.

Pangilinan noted that civilians also reported the presence
of a suspected IED in Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao on Monday.

Philippine troops have seized a bomb factory run by jihadist
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao province in the restive
Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao,
officials said Monday.

Officials said the factory in the sprawling three-hectare
encampment in the village
of Dasikil in Mamasapano
town yielded various bomb materials. Troops also discovered 18 thatched houses
believed used by the BIFF under Mohammad Ali Tambako.

Among bomb materials recovered in the area were fuses for
mortar and anti-tank rockets and cell phone parts.

Officials said BIFF forces abandoned the encampment before
troops could arrive, but they left a cache of evidence that solidifies military
accusations that the rebel group was behind a series of bombings that targeted
not only soldiers, but innocent civilians as well.

Just recently, troops also disarmed a powerful improvised
explosive planted on a vital highway that links several towns in Maguindanao.
The bomb was discovered by a civilian in the village of Kabingi
in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

Security forces have launched a fresh offensive against the
BIFF and former Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander Basit Usman in
Maguindanao. The military campaign forced thousands of families to flee the
villages for fear they would be caught in the crossfire. The BIFF is fighting
for a separate Islamic state in the Philippines.

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): PAF to acquire main rotor spares

To ensure that all UH-IH "Huey" helicopters in the
Philippine Air Force are combat- and mission-ready at all times, the PAF
announced that it is allocating the sum of PhP26,660,000 for the acquisition of
spare main rotor assemblies for the above-mentioned rotary wing aircraft.

The main rotor hub is the combination of several rotary
wings and a control system that generates the aerodynamic lift force that
supports the weight of the helicopter and the thrust that counteracts
aerodynamic drag in forward flight.

Bid opening and submission is scheduled at 9 a.m. on March
11 at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, PasayCity.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar
project within the last five years.

The PAF is known to operate 30 to 40 "Huey" units
which are being utilized for air support, transportation and medical evacuation
missions.

The PAF also plays a key role in the country's humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief efforts during natural and man-made calamities.

President Benigno S Aquino III has approved the promotion of
seven more police generals assigned to key positions in the PNP Directorial
Staff, Units and Office, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr., said
on Tuesday.

According to Cebo, the PNP Officer-in-Charge, Deputy
Director General Leonardo A. Espina, formalized the promotion of five star-rank
police officials during simple ceremonies at the PNP National Headquarters in CampCrame.

He said the promotions were approved upon the recommendation
of DILG Secretary and National Police Commission Chairman Mar Roxas and PNP
OIC, Deputy Director General Espina.

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): Usman likely to have trained scores of bombers in captured Mamasapano bomb factory

There is a huge possibility that Filipino bomb-maker, Basit
Usman, one of the other priority targets in the bloody Jan. 25 raid which
resulted in the neutralization of Malaysian terrorist, might have trained
scores of bombers in the captured improvised explosive device factory captured
by military forces in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao last Sunday, Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc on
Tuesday said.

Earlier reports claimed that Usman was allegedly coddled by
small bands of notorious bandits from two different BIFF groups.

Mohammad Ali Tambako of Mamasapano town is one of Usman's
current protector.

He is a BIFF leader who had carried out violent atrocities
against civilians both in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Another one is BIFF leader named Kagi Karialan with at least
100 followers.

He led the attack on MILF communities and civilian
communities nearby in Kabasalan and Bulol, both in Pikit, North
Cotabato in two separate occasions, displacing at least 25,000
people.

Another is Nur Utoh, who is reportedly operating in Shariff
Saydona.

Several tipsters have spotted Usman in the bailiwicks of
these cohorts.

Despite the capture and destruction of a Bangsamoro Islamic
Freedom Fighters bomb-making facility in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao Sunday,
law enforcement operations against the BIFF continue.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office
chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc Tuesday said the offensive against the bandit
group started some two weeks ago, which included clearing the many islets in
Linguasan Marsh where the BIFF might have fled after taking heavy casualties in
the ongoing government offensive.

The 601st Infantry Brigade, commanded by Col. Melquiades
Feliciano, heads the military efforts.

Cabunoc also said that they were coordinating with the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front, local government officials and residents in the area
to validate the reported sightings of five foreign terrorists fleeing with BIFF
members.

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): AFP now pursuing five foreign terrorists in cahoots with Basit Usman

Pursuit operations are now being conducted against the five
foreign terrorists, four of which are Indonesian and the other one
Arab-looking, who are allegedly allied with Filipino bomb-maker Basit Usman.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) public affairs office chief, said that they also believed that the five
are part of the international terror contacts of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters (BIFF) leader Mohammad Ali Tambako.

Tambako allegedly coddled Usman in Mamasapano town,
Maguindanao, the very same area where the AFP located and destroyed a BIFF
bomb-making factory Sunday.

Cabunoc said the neutralization or capture of Usman along
with the five will mean a great deal to peace and order situation in Mindanao.

The AFP public affairs office chief said that they are still
to determine on what BIFF groups the latter are affiliated.

They are still also to verify on whether the five has links
with ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) extremists and on the date
of the latter's arrival in the country.

As of the moment, Usman and the five are believed to be
hiding in the forested and inaccessible areas of Maguindanao and Cotabato.

LAMITANCITY, Basilan --Government forces have thwarted a bombing plot of the Abu
Sayyaf’s Urban Terrorist Group (UTG) in this city, military official disclosed
Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Glen Villaflor, Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion
commander, said this came about after the troops have recovered bomb-making
materials following a five-minute clash with UTG members.

Villaflor said the troops from the 19th Special Forces
Company led by Capt. Geralfredo Andal clashed with four UTG members led by
Edris Sampang while on security patrol around 3 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Kulay
Bato, this city.

Villaflor added that the security patrol was in reaction to
intelligence report that the UTG of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is planning to
carry out bombing mission.

Villaflor said the clash ensued as the troops were able to
locate Sampang’s hideout in Barangay Kula Bato.

He said Sampang’s group fled towards Barangay Bulanting,
this city.

He said the troops have recovered from Sampang’s hideout the
following: one grenade; one soldiering iron; a long nose plier; two toggle
switch; soldering lead; diodes; wires, and, paraphernalia.

He disclosed that Sampang’s group operates in this city and
in nearby municipalities of Tuburan and Akbar.

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): Army foils bombing attempt in North Cotabato

KABACAN, North Cotabato –- A bombing attempt
attributed by the military to the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) was foiled here when a civilian alerted authorities about suspicious box
left at a roadside in Barangay Kayaga Tuesday morning.

It was the second bombing attempt by suspected BIFF. On
Sunday night, a civilian alerted the 45th IB troopers in Barangay Kabingi, Datu
Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao about a suspected IED along a road used by military
in transporting troops to nearby Mamasapano and Datu Piang towns.

While the Army bomb experts were checking on the roadside
bomb, traffic between Datu Montawal, Maguindanao and Kabacan, North
Cotabato was shut down.

It was reopened after the Army successfully defused the IED
which, according to Col. Clement, has the “signatures” of the BIFF. Clement
said similar IED was used in Kabacan and Mlang bombings late last year.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th ID spokesperson, said the IED was
left near Simuay Hardware in Sitio Lotte, Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, North Cotabato and found by a man at 11:45 a.m.

Traffic was reopened at 1:40 p.m. after the IED was
successfully defused.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th ID chief, lauded the
growing awareness and concern that the community has showing since for the past
two days now.

"The call for an all-out sector offensive against the
armed lawless group who calls themselves BIFF and their terrorist cohorts is
successfully bringing the society into a level of awareness and responsibility
on individually combating terrorism and lawlessness," Pangilinan said.

Last week, the BIFF declared it will launch attacks in North Cotabato after the group suspected North Cotabato
Gov. Emmulou Mendoza has been funding the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
to prevent the BIFF entry to the province.

Mendoza
denied the BIFF claim.

She said the discovery of the IED by a civilian who alerted
the police and military authorities only show the people are more vigilant now.

He urged others to continue helping authorities.

“Be a force multiplier. Let’s maintain this level of
cooperation and support to our law enforcers,” she said. “Together we can win
the quest for peace and development in North Cotabato.”

TACLOBANCITY --
Leyte Vice Governor Carlo P. Loreto is pushing for the creation of a
Counter-Terrorism Program for the province to boost local anti-terrorism
initiatives.

“Based on the investigation with the Masasapano incident it
was found that law enforcement lacked the intelligence or information. This is
because the government forces were unable to counter the terrorist’s
activities. Here in Leyte, we should not wait
for these things to happen,” said Loreto.

Recently, the official was in Davao and personally saw the extent of
destruction to schools and other structures by the bombing incidents.

Since it is costly and impractical to put cameras all over
the province especially that the province is just reeling from the effects of
the 2013 super typhoon, measures should be focused on how to protect the
airport, ports, vitals installations and people from terrorist activities.

“By integrating different communications network of the
existing government facilities, we can have an integral system or an
information super highway across the province,” Loreto added.

In his memorandum, Loreto said that “never before has there
been such an urgent need for electronic surveillance and a robust, integrated
communications network in the province, because of the various forms that
terrorism has manifested itself across the world and in the country.”

He believed that “to effectively fight the terrorist
network, preventive security measures must be installed and improved where they
may strike, and hunt them where they rest and train.”

This requires sharing information with various law
enforcement organizations and most importantly between various intelligence
services.

Loreto also recommended to the governor for the province to
“draw up a plan to enhance and achieve integration of the various
communications facilities of possibly all government agencies into a
comprehensive, integrated communications super highway, to enhance the
detection and surveillance capabilities of agencies operating in the province,
which through cooperative analysis will ensure that the intelligence data
gathered is accurate and will be properly shared and utilized.”

Loreto is hopeful that the provincial government of Leyte
will conduct several exploratory talks with technical staff of the Philippine
National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of
Investigation, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Science and Technology,
National Transmission Corporation, National Power Corporation, Department of
Agriculture, Department of Health, and other agencies.

“Each of these agencies have existing communications
networks, which may complement each other and be enhanced,” Loreto said.

Loreto added that if the governor deemed it necessary, a
provincial ordinance on the subject may be passed on an urgent basis.

The manhunt against outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters (BIFF) will continue until the last BIFF is neutralized, the military
here said Tuesday.

But Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry
Division, said the operation shifted from "all out offensive," which
the Army at first launched in Maguindanao to "all-sectors offensive"
with all sectors participating in the efforts to get rid the province with
lawless and extremist elements.

"We have no time table when to terminate the operation
but our directive is to continue hunting down the BIFF and other terrorists
relentlessly," Petinglay said.

According to Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the government's law enforcement operation
against the BIFF in Maguindanao could drag until June this year.

But Petinglay said no military timetable has been set.

She said that the campaign against the BIFF and
international terrorists they provided haven has shifted from "military
alone action" into a "community action" where government forces
and local leaders and civilians will join hands in neutralizing the terrorists.

Hataman led the distribution of Humanitarian Emergency
Action and Response Team (HEART) of more than 10 tons of food rations to
displace families in Mamasapano, Salibo, Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns.

"Our relief team will continue helping the displaced
families," he said, adding that DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman has committed to
send more aid for the IDPs.

Areas in Mamasapano that never been occupied by military
because of the presence of lawless elements are now secured by members of the
Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-6).

Marines established checkpoints along road leading to
Mamasapano outlying villages to prevent the return of BIFF who were flushed out
by Army offensive last Saturday.

Army and police forces backed by Marines are now in control
of a large portion of Mamasapano where Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir
alias "Marwan" was killed in a police commando operation last Jan.
25.

Three Marine troopers were wounded when government forces
clashed with BIFF in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao. About six BIFF were reported
killed in that incident.

Hataman said he feared for difficult days ahead for the IDPs
who were now housed in various schools and village halls in Maguindanao’s 11
towns.

At least 16 schools in the province have also been shut down
temporarily for security reasons, displacing more than 15,000 elementary and
high school students, according to Hataman.

To the BIFF, Hataman made this appeal. "Support peace
process and cooperate with the people of Mindanao
who are helping each to build lasting peace and development in our area."

Hataman also said he has already briefed President Aquino on
the extent of the evacuations in the province and has sought help for the
evacuees. The President vowed to direct agencies to extend help so that no one
dies in evacuation centers.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division
commander, also alerted all Army units to thwart diversionary tactics by the
BIFF which normally conduct bombings in civilian communities to divert military
action against them.

At noon Tuesday, the Army foiled bombing attempt by BIFF in
Kabacan, North Cotabato after a civilian
alerted authorities of his discovery - a deadly improvised bomb.

The IED was left near Simuay Hardware along Barangay Kayaga,
Kabacan, North Cotabato.

It was the second bombing attempt by the BIFF that the
government forces foiled in two days.

On Sunday night, Army bomb disposal team defused a powerful
IED at a roadside in Barangay Kabingi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao after a
civilian alerted authorities of a suspicious bag nearby.

"Peoples participation about security matters is
important to prevent terrorism," Pangilinan said even as he lauded the
civilians for reporting quickly and accurately.